#advertising #werk

Project: Ask Us. This project that has been in the works for quite some time is finally coming to fruition and I’m very excited about it. At the start of the semester it was very unclear what my project would be in this wide-world of librarianship and how to relate it back to the Reference Desk. Luckily for me the Reference department has been undergoing a sort of marketing revival and I get to help. Admittedly, I knew nothing about how to market the skills of reference librarians but after reading many articles, I think we have a winning strategy. [excerpt

Detection of Airborne Allegen Phl p5 and its Correlation with Poaceae Pollen Counts in Evora, South Portugal

Introduction: Airborne pollen of grasses (Poaceae family) is the main aeroallergen in many european countries, namely in Portugal. Their pollen can be found in the air all over the year but higher concentrations are reached in springtime (Mars to June). Exposure to its allergens is deduced from pollen counts of environmental air samples. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between these pollen counts and the concentration of allergen Phl p5, through a new sampling technology, developed under an European LIFE/Environment program. Methods: Airborne pollen were monitored with a Hirst-type sampler (Burkard 7-day pollen trap). Simultaneously, daily air samples were collected with a high volumetric cyclone-type sampler (Coriolis ® d by Bertin Technologies, France) and Phl p5 concentration was measured from liquid samples through a “sandwich” ELISA with a kit from Indoor Biotecnologies®. Both samplers were placed side by side on a meteorological platform at the town center of Evora, 17 m above ground level and 320 m above sea level. ELISA analysis were performed on samples collected between the 2th of Mars and 12 th of June 2007, which includes the main pollen season for grasses and Phleum pratense. Results: Pollen counts from both samplers were not correlated, with absolute values higher in Burkard sampler. Phl p5 concentration in air samples followed the same features of cyclone-type sampler but it was quantified even when pollen counts were low or null, particularly in the beginning of pollen season. Several peaks of allergen were detected at the end of March and on the 1st - 2nd of April. Conclusions: Coriolis ® d cyclone sampler allowed the quantification of Poaceae either by pollen counts and by an ELISA assay but further analysis on the efficiency of sampling and its relationship with biophysical parameters are needed. These results suggest that pollen counts may not reflect exposure to Poaceae pollen. Immuno-sampling could provide a better understanding of exposure to airborne pollen allergens, namely out of the pollen season

Say Cheese

The last few weeks have been very busy; my project has finally gotten underway! It features several students, and it has been a lot of fun getting them together to take these photos that will be used to promote Reference Desk services. The philosophy is that other students will see these pictures and since it features people they know it will entice them to stop and read the posters or web banners. Hopefully these will be up and around the library the week before finals and students will utilize the Reference Desk more. [excerpt

Meetings, Weedings, Development.. Oh My!

Hello!! Since the last time I posted a lot has happened and so far, still good. That’s not to say I haven’t needed help on a few Reference Questions but things are going pretty well. I’ve had a few ‘RefWins’ where I’ve felt that I was particularly helpful, one was even over chat! Everything is going great thus far and I’m definitely learning, a lot. [excerpt

Monitoring Systems for MIMAP

Due to stabilization and structural adjustment policies, it is imperative to learn more about its impacts. Given a good database, the current thrust on devolution will facilitate the institutionalization of a community-based monitoring system. The system reduces the administrative costs associated with the design of safety net programs that are meant to counter the adverse effects of macro adjustment policies.vulnerable groups, vulnerability, MIMAP

Monitoring Systems for MIMAP

Due to stabilization and structural adjustment policies, it is imperative to learn more about its impacts. Given a good database, the current thrust on devolution will facilitate the institutionalization of a community-based monitoring system. The system reduces the administrative costs associated with the design of safety net programs that are meant to counter the adverse effects of macro adjustment policies.vulnerable groups, vulnerability, MIMAP

Money and Prices in the Philippines, 1981-1992: A Cointegration Analysis

Based largely on the work of Funke and Hall, estimation results indicate non-causality between money and price level attributed to the interplay of factors such as unstable political and economic environment. P* vector has no significance on potential output since Q instead of Q* has been used.monetary aggregates, causality, price level